Artist:   Martin Luther

Album: Rebel Soul Music

Genre: Soul

Label:  GoodVibe Recordings/Rebel Soul Records (2004)

If you like Anthony Hamilton, Van Hunt, Carl Thomas, Donnie, Lenny Kravitz . . .

Hearing great music, usually leads to comparisons of the “greats” that have come before.

For every wickedly soulful guitar riff, we usually reminisce about Jimi; every smooth, high & mellow run, Curtis;

that fun funky flavor, Sly; and for every time we hear a grown man yell and scream with a cool passion only God could have created, we think about Prince.

Whether intended, or unintended, Martin Luther has managed to mesh the best of three worlds (Rock, Funk, and Soul), yet still remain irrevocably true to both the old Soul of yesterday, and the new (Neo Soul) Soul genre of today.

Not only a powerfully prolific singer & songwriter, Luther is a highly sought after musician (The Roots, etc.), and shows off all of these talents on his debut album, Rebel Soul Music.

Consider this a soulful walk through the park (of love & life) with Luther as your tour guide. He takes you to the cool, mellow side of Soul, the free, grooving side of Funk, and the intricately melodic side of Rock, all while telling a singular story so clear, so reflectively personal, that you no longer walk beside, rather in his shoes. With this genre shaking release, he not only resurrects the sounds of Soul artists past, he creates a sound all his own, and a voice we will be hearing for years to come.

It’s gritty, fresh, honest, and passionately conscious.  It’s Soul.  Rebel Soul Music.

The hit single “Ms. America also available on:  Neo-Soul United 3 (Glory Records 2004)

Visit: www.rebelsoulmusic.com   for more on Martin Luther.

Artist: Joss Stone

Album: Mind Body & Soul

Genre: Soul

Label:  S-Curve Records/EMI (2004)

If you like Alicia Keys, Amel Larrieux, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, Jazzyfatnastees . . .

Comparisons will abound, come close, but ultimately fall short.

Think Janis, Aretha, Gladys . . . they all had “it”.  The ability to reach inside their hearts & souls in order to paint a picture of life & love so complex, yet so complete, that anyone listening could at least feel what they were saying. Joss Stone has got “it”. She got “it” on her first album, and it seems she’s got “it”  even more on Mind Body & Soul. On this, her sophomore offering, the young British “bombshell” mentored by no less than the great Betty Wright, shows, proves, and even raises the bar in a genre that for the past few decades hasn’t produced anyone with the raw talent, vocal presence, and charisma to lead what was for a time, one of the strongest most respected genres in music. Aside from being a phenomenal singer/songwriter, Joss possesses an old soul, conjuring verbal visions of past greats, all the while, drawing you in with a soulfully seductive, powerfully passionate voice that is only outdone by her honest charm, and the wonderfully distinct sound she brings.

This melodic masterpiece driven by a fresh, funk-soul-blues influence, and guided by top notch production still allows you to effortlessly, and enjoyably follow the mind, body and soul of one of music’s hottest rising stars.

With too many incredible tracks to name, pick up a copy and hear for yourself what everyone else is already raving about.

Also available:  Joss Stone – The Soul Sessions

Visit: www.jossstone.com  for more on Joss Stone.

ARTIST: Various Artists
ALBUM: Neo Soul United 3
GENRE: Neo Soul